Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the POD Network Listserv

• What is the POD Listserv

• How does it work

• What “Netiquette” is used on the POD listserv

• How do I reply to a posting

• How do I change my listserv settings

• How do I search the archives of the listserv

• I used to be subscribed to the POD listserv, but I stopped getting the posts. What happened

• What should I do if I have a problem with the listserv

What is the POD Listserv?
The POD Mailing List is a way for members of the Professional and Organizational Development Network in Higher Education to continue our interaction between conferences and newsletters as we work in faculty, instructional, and organizational development supporting teaching and learning in higher education. Some possible uses of the list include communicating ideas, reflections, successes, cautions, or news; seeking references or information; and conducting POD business.

How does it work? 
When you subscribe to the listserv, you will receive—depending on what options you selected when you joined—either (1) all postings in your email inbox, or (2) all postings in digest format (messages compiled into a single email and sent at regular intervals), or (3) postings summarized in list format (list of subjects only sent out at regular intervals). Messages will be identified with [POD] at the beginning of the subject line. You may read the messages for interest and edification, join in the conversation by replying to a message (see How do I reply to a posting?), or initiate your own message to the list (using the email address pod@listserv.nd.edu). For more information about the various settings options, click the “Help” link on the listserv “Join or leave the list” page.

What “Netiquette” is used on the POD listserv?  --  IMPORTANT!
The use of the POD mailing list can be enhanced by adhering to a number of procedures commonly referred to as "netiquette." All subscribers are urged to carefully review this section of the FAQ and abide by these recommendations. 

As you prepare messages to be sent to the entire list, your fellow subscribers will appreciate attention to the following:

• Use the SUBJECT line to provide a concise indication of the topic of your message.

• Include your electronic mail address, your institutional affiliation, and your real name, preferably at the end of each message. This will allow subscribers to contact you directly if they would like to respond to your posting.

• When you post a query to the list, offer to compile the responses and post a summary to the list when you have it. If your query includes an indication that you will do so, you will avoid lots of "please send me the results" postings.

• Please DO NOT use an automatic confirmation feature if your electronic mail system has this option. To the dismay of our subscribers, these confirmations are posted to the entire list. The list manager will send a message to anyone who makes use of this feature, asking the individual to turn the confirmation feature off. Failure to do so will cause the subscriber address to be removed from the list.

When replying to a message:

• Use your software's "reply" feature with EXTREME caution. Note the email address that appears in the reply to make sure it is going only to the parties you intend.

Always:

• Be "e-mail" courteous. This is a really friendly and helpful list, but mail boxes often get overwhelmed, so you may hear about it if you send frivolous messages.

If you are going to be away from the office:

• If you are placing an automatic “vacation” reply setting on your email while you are away, please first visit the listserv settings page (See How do I change my listserv settings? and select “Mail delivery temporarily disabled.” This will prevent everyone on the list from receiving your “Out of office” message. Don’t forget to de-select this option when you return to the office!

How do I reply to a posting?
If you wish to reply to a listserv posting, you may either post your reply to the entire list (pod@listserv.nd.edu), or directly to the sender if you don’t want to share your answer with the whole list. When you want to send mail only to the person who sent the message, you will need to make note of that person's email address and initiate a new message to that person using that address. When replying privately, it is helpful to let the recipient know if they may post your message (with or without your identifying information) if they are compiling replies for the list.

How do I change my listserv settings?
To change your listserv settings, go to the mailing list web page at http://listserv.nd.edu/archives/pod.html and select the "Join or leave the list (or change settings)" link. 

How do I search the archives of the listserv?
Go to the mailing list web page at http://listserv.nd.edu/archives/pod.html and select the “Search the archives” link. You will be able to set parameters for your search by contents, subject, date, or author’s name. Or, you can browse the archives by month, by selecting the month from the list on the main mailing list web page referenced above.

I used to be subscribed to the POD listserv, but I stopped getting the posts. What happened?
In September 2006 all POD listserv subscribers were sent a message asking them to renew their subscription. If you stopped getting messages from the list after this, you may have missed the renewal message. To re-subscribe, follow the instructions at Subscribing to the POD mailing list, or changing your settings.

What should I do if I have a problem with the listserv?
When you are having a problem with our listserv that you can’t resolve, and feel that you  need to communicate with a human being, send mail to hoag.holmgren@gmail.com. He will try to help you negotiate through your problem.

This version of the FAQ was prepared in January 2007 by the Electronic Communication and Resource Committee of POD. Suggestions for changes or additions should be sent to Hoag Holmgren, Executive Director, hoag.holmgren@gmail.com.